New box with a small challenge

[colinsp]

This is my latest ornamental box from Purple Heart and spalted Boxwood. It is 40mm tall and 50mm in diameter. It is much smaller in height than I had intended a moments inattention whilst I was was cutting the basket pattern and I forgot to phase the rosette. As a result I had to reduce the height and make a new base from spalted boxwood.

The basket weave pattern was made with a cutter 2.6mm wide with a curved profile. I found that 2mm spacing between rows gave a more pleasing result rather than the conventional width of the cutter. The basket weave was cut using a 20 bump rosette.

The inside pattern was cut with a high amplitude 10 bump rosette and the pattern was then filled with embellishing wax prior to lacquering. The top was cut using an arch 7 rosette and the inside of the lid was cut using an unnumbered rosette. The top and inside the lid were enhanced with white CZ stones.

 

[Isaac Litster]

I do a fair bit of miniature work, and Purpleheart seems to be quite coarse in texture and brittle, often fracturing on thin end grain pieces. Was it challenging to work on the rose engine?

 

[colinsp]

I do a fair bit of miniature work, and Purpleheart seems to be quite coarse in texture and brittle, often fracturing on thin end grain pieces. Was it challenging to work on the rose engine?

Yes it is a bit brittle and fibrous but it turns nicely on my Rose Engine and takes detail well. I suspect due to small sharp cutters running at high speed. I have not had any issues other than my mistake through inattention. This is the 4th or 5th ornamental box I have made with it. Hope this helps.